When I first wrote this poem and centered it from the left hand side, I noticed something. The shape of the poem became like an old-fashion oil lamp. When I began to imagine it lit,

this

verse came to mind:

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for
my path.

Psalms 119: 105

When you have troubles of your own making, where do
you go to find the answers and the strength to see them through?

I would like to challenge you to do three things:

First, I challenge you to pray before you do anything
farther.

Not only will prayer open up the communication lines between you and
God but He can also reassure you of His faithfulness, love and mercy. God is always there with you but He also waits for your permission to initiate His counsel.

Second, I challenge you to go to the word of God for
His wisdom and direction. Sometimes, I go to the concordance and other times, I
may go to a book of “God’s Promises” or to other books which teach biblical principles. If I need help interrupting the
scriptures or putting my plan of action together, I go to someone who will be honest with me and not just tell me what I want to hear. Beginning to search for the Truth coupled with faith brings about answers if we search with our whole heart.

Last, I challenge you to wait before the Lord so the
Holy Spirit can inspire your thoughts and guide you through the process of
healing and/or restoring yourself from the messy situation. God usually does
everything step by step so listen carefully and then do your best to obey what He is telling you to do. An honest effort before the Lord will keep Him ever present.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Mom died. Now we have to disperse or sell all her treasures. She loved and collected anything-vintage…furniture,
all types of wood pieces, and all types of glass, and silver just to name a few.
For Mom, it wasn’t so much about having the things as it was about the challenge
of the hunt. She loved to find what no one else could and then talk the seller
down to nothing. Mom would go into a flea-invested barn herself to pick up her
latest bargain. And sometimes, us kids got drafted into helping her move this
‘treasure’ for an enjoyable treat. When
she got it home, Mom would refinish it with love and display it proudly. Then
she would delight in telling others about her latest ‘find’ adventure.

Together, my two brothers and
I viewed the boxes piled up in each storage room along with the antique
furniture. None of the three of us could see ourselves taking much because
while Mom always had a large home, we have more modest homes. With that
consideration in mind, we pulled up Mom’s white plastic porch ware and decided
to have fun with the whole decision-making process. Like I said, none of us really needed any of the things
set before us. However, each of us did want a piece of our past and a memory of Mom.

Paper ended up going everywhere
as pieces of Mom’s life were displayed before us. If two or even three of us
wanted the same thing, we rolled the dice for it. Highest roller won. I can’t
say I was not disappointed with some of the outcomes but it was the only fair
way. Mom always said, if we started to fight over her stuff, it was to be sold immediately
with no more questions asked...period.

By the time my brothers and I were finished going through everything, we were at peace. We had told many stories about Mom and her escapades which made us laugh once more. We had also told a lot of stories on ourselves growing up which caused some laughter too. Then, at the closing of the last box, I can honestly said my family was still a family and united for the
future. And to me...remaining a family is what really mattered the most.

This is what I learned:

1.Your life can
change forever with a single phone call.

2.Family
relationships can be stronger then they ever were, if all set their hearts to make it possible. The boxes said “United” on
the sides. Even after many years of differences between us, Mom and her things were beckoning us to stand united at the end of the day.

3.Accumulation of
possessions is fleeting. Some things we buy as ‘investments’ for later
may not become the big investments we were planning on at our death. When our kin are ready to sell, it is only worth what another will pay. There are
so many variables that can push the price up or down. So…when you make
purchases, choose wisely so what is purchased can be enjoyed with those you
love now while you are here. Then ‘if’ you can sell it for the profit later,
that is always a nice bonus.

4.Some day you WILL
be at the top of the family ladder. These things in the storage rooms were
representations of memories from my childhood.
Family pieces handed down...ruby glass, a silver service, sandwich
plates with rings for punch cups and pictures of an era now
gone. Cherish the journey because it is
all too soon gone.

Mom… it will
be a year on the 23rd of April since your passing on into God’s
glory. We miss you down here but I know you are at peace now. Thanks for all
you did for us and the lasting memories we cherish.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Being able to purchase my new
home 6 months ago was God’s signal I was moving out of Egypt into my own personal
Promised Land. I had imagined what moving out would be like for along time. Now
I am getting to live out what I had dreamed about for years.

Unpacking, I placed each of my colorful additions in their new locations. With
each piece, the house seemed to come alive. The more I placed the more alive
the rooms became. Then, the peacefulness in my heart began to flow. In my excitement, I made God a promise in gratitude for not only for what He had just given me
but also for what He had brought me through. I promised God I would use my home for
ministry. My heart wanted to share with others the wisdom and
the home I had gained.

This past week I got my first
call about 10:00pm. A good friend of mine wanted to know if I would be willing
to take in a homeless young girl for a few days before her court case. Morgan
had fled an abusive situation where she feared for her life. From the moment she came through the door,
Morgan kept thanking me for letting her stay in my home. She felt so fortunate
to have a safe place to go. We talked for a while about her circumstances and
then I lead her back to my guest bedroom.

Over the next 3 days, Morgan
and I shared many experiences of how God had helped us overcome circumstances with His principles and with the help of those He had placed
around us. As I kept listening to Morgan’s story, I never sense she was
bitter towards her abuser in anyway. I was amazed! In fact, Morgan said she had become a strong and independent
person thanks to this ugly situation in her life. She felt piety for the one
who hurt her emotionally all those years but she was now praying for them to
know God too. Morgan was not making this statement because it sounded like something she
‘should’ do as a good Christian but she meant the prayer from deep within her
heart. I was amazed at Morgan’s spiritual maturity at 17. I know that Morgan
may have other issues to deal with because of the abuse but she is well on her
way to total freedom.

Good News! Morgan won
her court case. Not only that, but she has been able to maintain an A average in
high school and in a class at the local college. She has also secured
a new job. Now, Morgan will be able to start afresh with what she
will need to succeed. Blessings on you Morgan!

I have dealt with challenging
circumstances wanting to trap me with bitterness. And for a while, I let the
situations overtake me. However, when I had had enough of bitterness stealing
my joy, I prayed. God came in and threw me a lifeline. I grabbed hold and
followed His lead. With faith, wisdom and perseverance, the chains finally
fell to the ground for good. Like
Morgan, I had overcome was well.

How about you? Is bitterness
stealing your joy because of your past? Are you ready to break
free from the chains? God is throwing you a
lifeline by making His principles available through His Word and by the people
He plans to send your way. He is waiting on you. Talk to Him, listen to Him, start
the search and allow Him to begin to set your heart free.

About Me

Mary Jane Downs is an author, speaker and teacher who lives in the foothills of the Asheville Mountains. She loves long walks with her camera in hand, reading, hand quilting, and cooking for friends. Mary Jane has been published in Awe Magazine, Inspiredmoms.com, as well as a guest blogger. Mary Jane has found her writing and love of quilting to work well together. Quilting gives her time to think and gain insight for story ideas and writing helps her to express those ideas and thoughts to others.